Opinion: Gerrymandering is a bipartisan problem that needs to be fixed

by Boris Epshteyn, Chief Political Analyst

(Sinclair Broadcast Group)

WASHINGTON (Sinclair Broadcast Group) - Gerrymandering.

It may not be a term you are thinking of as you go about your days but it plays a vital, and controversial, role in our political system.

It is the practice of politicians drawing their electoral district boundaries in a way that benefits their particular party. It helps ensure that the party in power in a specific district will stay there for a long, long time.

Gerrymandering dates back to the early 1800s and has been used by Democrats and Republicans alike for their own benefit. Absolutely ridiculous.

The elected officials in power are able to pick the voters they want instead of you electing candidates who share your values and represent your interests.

Now, there is some bipartisan agreement that gerrymandering is a problem.

The case before the Supreme Court centers on gerrymandering in the state of Wisconsin. The plaintiffs argued that the practice violates both the Free Speech and Equal Protection clauses of the Constitution. A ruling by the court, which may apply to all states, is expected by the spring.

There is currently no federal law against partisan gerrymandering. Having said that, six states have mandated bipartisan redistricting commissions.

The bottom line is this: it makes sense for more, and eventually all states to have independent districting commissions. We, the American voters, should choose our elected representatives, not the other way around.